Computer damage and data loss due to a power surge or power failure can be an extremely frustrating experience that is far from uncommon. Home computer users can take preventative measures to protect computers and attached peripherals from power surges and outages.
Besides consistently backing up data, perhaps the most common and effective line of defense is an APC uninterruptible power supply.
What is an APC UPS?
A UPS or uninterruptible power supply is a device that provides instant power to electronic equipment (such as a computer) when utility power is not available. Also known as a battery backup, a UPS provides instant protection from power failures assuring the safety of the attached equipment and data. In the case of a power surge or outage, the UPS provides emergency power for a duration of usually 5 to 15 minutes – giving the user time to safely turn off the computer or attach an auxiliary power source.
American Power Conversion (APC) is one of the largest global manufacturers of uninterruptible power supply systems. The APC brand tends to be associated with UPS systems in general (much like the Kleenex brand is associated with tissues). That being said, APC offers a wide range of UPS products from smaller home and office battery backups to larger UPS systems for corporations and government facilities.
APC Battery Back Up vs. Data Recovery Services and Software
There are alternatives to an APC UPS but these options tend to focus on fixing the problem of data loss after the fact.
Data recovery services can potential retrieve ‘lost’ data from a damaged hard drive. These services require the user to remove the hard drive and ship it to a lab for analysis and recovery. Although most data recovery services do not charge anything if the data cannot be recovered, these services are very expensive when successful.
Another option is data recovery software. This method of data recovery requires the user to purchase software and install it on a back up hard drive. If data loss occurs, the users can connect the backup drive and run the data recovery software. Although data recovery software is much cheaper than a data recovery service, it requires a lot of foresight and still does not guarantee all lost files will be recovered.
Prevent Data Loss with an APC UPS and Data Backup Solutions
An APC battery backup is one of the best ways to protect computer hardware and the data contained within. However, users of uninterruptible power supply systems should also consider off-site and on-site data backup options as redundancy is key when protecting data.
Data Storage Options for Small Businesses
Besides having a computer lost or stolen, the most common reason for data loss is hardware failure. Hardware failure may occur because of power surges, aging equipment, motherboard failures, or even an accidental spill. Data can also be lost because of software failures or virus attacks. To prevent a serious loss of data, a small or home-based business has several data storage options: onsite backup, off-site backup, and internet backup.
Onsite backup should be done routinely either daily or weekly. This involves creating a disk or tape backup of key data. External hard-drives that can hold 160 to 250 gigabytes of data are relatively inexpensive. After the data is backed-up, the device is removed from the computer and stored. Even computer novices can use these backup options that require only a plug into a USB port. The device acts like a hard drive accessible by the computer’s file list (found in Explorer on Windows machines).
Another onsite storage capability is available to those businesses with a server. Servers have automated backup software that copies network files. Neither hard-disk type nor server backup saves program executable files. So a small business owner must always have the original software available for re-building the computer’s configuration if necessary.
Off-site backup takes existing backup either from an external hard drive or server tape and stores that in a safe location away from the primary business.
Online or remote backup uses an internet based storage service. Two online data service companies that have helped many small and home-based businesses are Mozy and Carbonite. Most online data-backup services allow manual file selection and will schedule a full backup at specific times. It is also possible to setup incremental backups that detect and backup a file when it is changed.
To use remote data backup services, there is usually a monthly or annual fee. Software from the company is then loaded onto the business computers and begins providing a data safety net. The costs between these two services are comparable. As of September 2009, Mozy was $4.95 per week and Carbonite was $55.00 per year.
Components of a Disaster Recovery Plan for Small Businesses
In addition to data backup plans, a small business should create a full disaster recovery plan. Sensible Computer Help provides an excellent checklist of business critical data and questions a small business owner should ask to make sure that his disaster recovery plan meets all potential problems that might affect business operations. The Small Business Administration also has a downloadable guide on disaster recovery planning.
Be prepared. Do not learn the lesson of what-to-do-if-data-is-lost after it has happened. Taking precautions and creating data backup and disaster plans is just smart business.
